Player News - Bengals

Reporter Joe Buscaglia isn't saying that Gresham has been linked to the Bills, only that such a move would make sense. Gresham has maxed out as a mediocre receiver, but is a competent, if not amazing, blocker. He'd be an upgrade on Scott Chandler, though that's not a high compliment. Most signs have pointed toward Gresham leaving Cincinnati.

The Jets are expected to "actively pursue" the free agent guard market.

Orlando Franklin, Clint Boling, and James Carpenter are mentioned as potential targets. Stefen Wisniewski, Justin Blalock, and Todd Herremans are also free agents. The Jets arguably need new starters at both guard spots.

The writing has been on the wall for quite some time. Coach Marvin Lewis was noncommittal when asked about Gresham at the Combine, and Dehner said Gresham's "act has worn thin" around the organization. The Bengals will lean on now healthy Tyler Eifert in the passing game and bring in a cheap option to help as a blocker. Gresham is Rotoworld's No. 4 available tight end.

Jeremy Hill averaged 5.6 yards per carry and a touchdown per game in the seven contests where he handled 15-plus carries as a rookie.

Whereas Hill dominated in the feature back role, Gio Bernard was less effective on expanded rushing usage, managing a 4.12 YPC average and 0.7 TDs in his seven games with 14-plus carries. As beat writer Paul Dehner notes, Gio "excelled once shifted into a more situational, receiving role late in the season." Expect Hill to remain the Bengals' clear-lead running back in 2015.

Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official website expects free agent LG Clint Boling to test the open market.

Boling has started 44-of-48 games the past three seasons. The former fourth-round pick out of Georgia turns 26 in May and should have a pretty solid market as our No. 3 free-agent guard available behind older veterans Mike Iupati and Orlando Franklin. Boling still is said to have interest in re-signing with Cincy.

The Bengals are expecting WLB Vontaze Burfict (knee surgeries) to be ready for the start of training camp.

Burfict underwent two surgeries on his left knee last year, including microfracture surgery immediately after the season. Given the tricky nature of his operation, the Bengals would be wise to add depth at linebacker. Dehner believes Cincinnati is likely to address the position in free agency.

Tate caught just 17 passes in 2014 and has mostly been a liability throughout his four-year tenure in Cincinnati. Though Tate has value on special teams, Adam Jones is an equally effective return man. We can't imagine Tate generating much interest on the open market.

Free agent CB Terence Newman has told the Bengals he wants to return next season.

Newman had been considering retirement, but will attempt to continue his career. The Bengals are expected to move forward with Leon Hall, Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard as their top three corners, leaving Newman without a spot on the roster. 36-year-old Newman hasn't played a full season since 2010 and could struggle for offers on the open market.

The No. 24 overall pick in last year's draft, Dennard only played 77 snaps as a rookie. "I probably should have gotten him on the field more," Guenther said. "But it's tough when you have Leon [Hall], you have Pac [Adam Jones], you have Terence [Newman]. But sometimes you've got to be around those guys for you to learn really what it's like to do it." With Newman and unrestricted free agent, Dennard will have a great shot to carve out a role in 2015.

Coach Marvin Lewis acknowledged at the Combine that free agent Jermaine Gresham is at a "crossroads" with the Bengals.

Lewis was also wholly noncommittal about bringing Gresham back. "He's at a crossroads," said Lewis. "It's, what does Jermaine want next? When he commits to whatever he wants next, then things will work out." Per ESPN's Coley Harvey, "some around the team" were disappointed when a banged-up Gresham pulled himself out of two late-season games. The Bengals want Tyler Eifert to play a bigger role, and could replace Gresham's blocking on the cheap.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis confirmed at the Combine that Tyler Eifert (shoulder/elbow) is on track for 2015 training camp.

Coming off elbow and shoulder surgeries, Eifert's rehab has been setback free. Although it came in a limited sample size, Eifert appeared to be a big part of OC Hue Jackson's game plan in Cincinnati's Week 1 win over Baltimore last year. Eifert will be a sleeper with low-end TE1 potential in 2015.

"He's ready to go," coach Marvin Lewis said Thursday. "He's got a lot to prove and a lot on the line." Jones said two weeks ago that he had the green light to do "anything and everything." Jones was a touchdown machine in 2013, but has just 69 catches across 27 career games. He'll battle Mohamed Sanu for a starting job.

There is mutual interest between free agent LG Clint Boling and the Bengals.

Boling started all 16 games for the Bengals last season, grading out as PFF's No. 19 guard among 78 qualifiers. He's Cincy's top free agent and our No. 5 guard available. The Enquirer calls this a deal that "can easily get done."

ESPN's Coley Harvey believes "there's a good chance" free agent OT Eric Winston will be back with the Bengals.

Winston has expressed mutual interest in re-signing with the Bengals. He started the final two games of the regular season and in the playoffs, but won't be returning as more than a swing tackle. Winston didn't sign until December last year and should only require a one-year deal.

Newhouse struggled as the Bengals' swing tackle last year, grading out negatively in all aspects. He shouldn't get more than the veteran minimum in free agency. The Bengals want to re-sign Eric Winston to replace Newhouse.